Oshawa woman says charity walk is “least she can do” for breast cancer survivors

OSHAWA -- Until a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, Melody Geurts had never really thought about the disease. But talking to people about her friend's situation made her realize how prevalent it had become.

"It was amazing, everyone I spoke to knew someone or someone's mother, who had been diagnosed," she said. "Everyone had a connection somehow."

Ms. Geurts said she was so shocked by her friend's diagnosis and all the stories she heard that she felt she had to do something. While visiting the hospital she came across a pamphlet for Princess Margaret Hospital's Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

"I thought this is at least something I can do to give back a little bit," she said. "My daughter's getting married and I thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if her kids don't have to think about this at all?'"

Ms. Geurts, who is 50, says she has started training for the event but was initially worried she might not be able to finish the 60 km walk.

"I was a little wary because I'm not that physically active," she said. "But when I went to the orientation they told us about an 82-year-old woman who walked the entire 60 km last year with her walker and refused help from anyone. So I thought, if she can do it, I can do it."

The walk to end breast cancer will be held in Toronto on Sept. 6 and 7. Participants will walk 30 km one day and 30 the next, camping out in a local park in between.

All participants have to raise a minimum of $2,000. To sponsor Ms. Geurts or for more information on the walk visit www.endcancer.ca.